What it means
Research shows that the way fat is distributed in the body can contribute to future health risk.

Higher Risk – Apples
People who store fat around the abdomen and chest – resulting in fat deposits surrounding key organs such as the heart – have a higher probability of suffering heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and gall bladder disease.

Lower Risk – Pears
People who store fat on their hips and thighs can be more susceptible to cellulite and varicose veins, but they do not have the same serious health risks as Apples.

Assess your risk
Women – You’re at higher risk if your WHR is greater than 0.8
Men – You’re at higher risk if your WHR is greater than 1.0

Will my body shape change if I diet?
That depends on your starting shape. When Apples diet, they reduce fat in their upper bodies. If they lose a significant amount of weight, they could look quite different (and also reduce their risk of disease).

When Pears diet, they, too, tend to reduce fat in their upper bodies, so their overall body shape stays more or less the same.